August 19, 2005
OTTAWA -- Phase II of the repairs to HMCS Chicoutimi
has begun with the award of an $11.76 million contract to Irving Shipbuilding
Incorporated of Saint John, N.B, at its Halifax Shipyard facility. This phase
involves detailed materiel surveys and assessments, as well as the development
of the engineering and job specifications needed to begin Phase III, the
repair and other concurrent work. Phase II is expected to be completed by the
end of 2005.
"The Victoria Class submarines are a key capability for the Navy," said
Defence Minister Bill Graham. "This ongoing work continues to offer a
significant opportunity for Canadian companies to gain invaluable experience
working on a modern weapons system and will facilitate further transition to
Canadian in-service support of the submarines."
"The repair of HMCS Chicoutimi is progressing in conjunction with
Canadianization and previously scheduled maintenance," said Vice-Admiral Bruce
MacLean, Commander of Canada's Navy. "We are looking forward to getting HMCS
Chicoutimi back to sea where she is needed."
The repair of HMCS Chicoutimi is being conducted in three phases. For the
recently completed Phase I, the planning phase, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. was
contracted to prepare and dock the submarine, and to develop a plan for Phase
II, the survey and assessment phase.
The Department of National Defence has worked closely with the contractor
to develop well-defined plans for Phase II of the repair process. These plans,
which include quality management, material control, survey and assessment, and
engineering processes, will assist in defining the scope of work required for
Phase III and ensure the most efficient execution of the repair work. During
Phase II, the contractor will remove damaged equipment and equipment being
replaced under Canadianization and other Engineering Changes. Phase II will
include some of the repair work that has already been defined, as well as
maintenance and preservation of the submarine and its systems.
Phase III, the final execution phase, involves the repair work,
implementation of Canadianization and other Engineering Changes and testing
and trials. The completion date for this phase is dependent on the results of
the survey and assessment phase, but is anticipated to be completed within two
years.
Victoria Class submarines are vitally important to the security and
defence of Canada, providing deterrence, surveillance and interdiction in our
maritime approaches.
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